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Five Newlywed Pitfalls

Communication

Navigating a new marriage may not be as easy as the movies make it seem, but with an attentive eye and an earnest heart, you can avoid these pitfalls and have a beautiful newlywed season.

April 22, 2024

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5 Debilitating Lies Teenage Girls Believe

Children

Teen girls can easily fall prey to these five lies. Battle them with truth and arm your daughter.

August 16, 2023

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Helping Someone Deal with Grief

Communication

The weight of sorrow can feel unbearable, but with compassion, understanding, and the love of God, it is possible to help someone who is grieving.

May 18, 2023

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ADHD AND MARRIAGE: HOW TO HANDLE COMMON CONFLICT PATTERNS

Communication

When ADHD and marriage go together, you can face repeating conflict patterns. But you can lessen those patterns and strengthen your marriage.

April 21, 2023

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Parenting Adult Children Through Prayer

Children

Spending time in intimate conversation with our Heavenly Father on behalf of our kids can take away the feeling of powerlessness that we sometimes battle. These times spent with God can renew our sense of hope, open our eyes to what God is doing now in our kids’ lives, and impact our interactions with our children.

March 31, 2023

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Witchcraft: What Christian Parents Need to Know

Children

Witchcraft is a difficult subject to broach in Christian circles. Many people are so uncomfortable with it, they don’t even want to discuss it, and don’t believe it is real.

March 22, 2023

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DATE YOUR MATE

Communication

If we are not diligent to date our mate, the business and busyness of life can infringe until we spend less time together now that we are married than we did before our vows.

March 16, 2023

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Teen Defiance? Look for Emotional Wounds

Children

If you have been wondering, “Why is my good kid, all of a sudden, defiant?” Emotional wounds could be the underlying culprit.

February 16, 2023

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4 Parenting Styles and Effective Child Discipline

Children

How do you get your children to obey, and what should you do when they won’t?

February 10, 2023

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IS YOUR MARRIAGE WORTH IMITATING?

Communication

Our kids are constantly watching us, and how we treat our spouse is probably how our children will treat their own spouse someday. Your marriage is your child’s blueprint for intimacy and relationships.

January 31, 2023

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Loving Your Pregnant Teenager

Children

Parenting your pregnant teen is a whole new level of motherhood. It can also be a deepening of your relationship.

January 24, 2023

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Helping Kids Stand Firm While Navigating the Ever-Changing Landscape of Transgenderism

Children

There is a crucial shift in youth culture, and Christian teens need to understand transgenderism as well as how to respond in love and truth.

January 23, 2023

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5 Tips for Keeping Your Kids’ Phone Time Under Control

Children

Phones are everywhere these days. Knowing how to approach phone time for your kids can be tricky. But here are some strategies for how to create a healthy environment for your kids.

January 11, 2023

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HOW TO HANDLE ARGUMENTS IN MARRIAGE

Communication

Conflict can lead you toward a deeper marriage connection

January 11, 2023

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STRENGTHEN YOUR EMOTIONAL CONNECTION IN MARRIAGE BY BUILDING YOUR FRIENDSHIP

Communication

Friendship in marriage is vital, but the busyness of life can squelch it. Don’t let emotional connection in marriage fade away — revive it using these tips.

January 11, 2023

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5 WAYS TO STAY ON THE SAME TEAM

Communication

If you and your spouse are going to function as teammates in marriage, you need to actually understand each other’s situation and validate each other.

December 23, 2022

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LOVE YOUR HUSBAND BY LOVING YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW

Communication

Learn how to strengthen your marriage and love your husband by building a good relationship with your mother-in-law.

December 23, 2022

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UNHAPPY MARRIAGE? FIX IT WITH THESE SIMPLE HABITS FOR MARITAL HAPPINESS

Communication

How can you fix an unhappy marriage? Learn how you can develop effective, yet simple habits for marital happiness.

November 27, 2022

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FAMILY STRESS AT CHRISTMASTIME

Communication

If you and your spouse look for unexpected gifts in your life this Christmas, you just may find a blessing in working together to manage family dynamics during the holiday season.

November 27, 2022

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LEARNING FROM YOUR MISTAKES

Communication

Most of us in second marriages can clearly see that adding education, personal awareness and intentionality to our current marriage can create a new, mutually satisfying relationship.

November 16, 2022

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HOW TO OVERCOME UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS IN MARRIAGE

Communication

Learn how to identify the two most dangerous expectations in marriage and open the door to a healthy relationship with your spouse.

October 28, 2022

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WHEN YOUR SPOUSE HAS A TERMINAL ILLNESS

Communication

When you learn your spouse has a terminal illness, everything changes in an instant. What’s important to know as you begin this hard journey?

October 20, 2022

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How to Talk to Your Daughter about Puberty

Children

Your tween girl needs you as she starts to go through physical and emotional changes associated with puberty. Learn how to appropriately approach the topic of puberty with your daughter.

October 11, 2022

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Reinforce Your Child’s Sexual Identity

Children

Help children understand that their sexual identity is an indelible part of who God created them to be.

September 20, 2022

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WHAT DO COUPLES FIGHT ABOUT? YOU’LL BE SHOCKED BY THE ANSWER

Communication

All couples fight. And it feels as if we’re fighting about something. But when we look at our conflicts, they can sound pretty insignificant. Big things don’t ensnare us as often as the little things.

September 12, 2022

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7 TIPS FOR A TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX

Communication

Too much technology use can strain your marriage. Here’s a thoughtful way to begin a social media detox and build a healthier relationship.

August 24, 2022

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JAVA WITH JULI: LOVE YOUR HUSBAND BY LOVING YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW

Communication

By building a good relationship with your husband’s mom, you can show your husband that you love him. Here are some ways you can reach out to your mother-in-law and create a peaceful family bond.

August 18, 2022

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Living With Healthy Grief

Communication

Learn how to deal with the grief that comes from the death of a loved one or from divorce. It includes the stages of grief and provides teens with ideas on how to walk through the process of grief after a loss.

August 12, 2022

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FEELING TRAPPED IN MARRIAGE

Communication

If you’re in a chronically unhappy marriage, you may feel trapped and hopeless. But transformational options exist for those in a stressful marriage.

August 11, 2022

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A HUSBAND’S SELFISHNESS

Communication

Dr. Ron Welch, the author of The Controlling Husband: What Every Woman Needs to Know, shares his story of making his wife and marriage a priority.

June 29, 2022

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7 STRATEGIES FOR RELATING TO IN-LAWS AND BUILDING A STRONG MARRIAGE

Communication

Together, you and your spouse can face in-law issues and use healthy strategies that will foster peace in your marriage.

June 3, 2022

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MY WIFE CONSTANTLY CRITICIZES ME: A GUIDE FOR MENTORS

Communication

When a husband says, “My wife constantly criticizes me,” what do you do? Help him deal with the issue using these tips.

May 19, 2022

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MAINTAINING YOUR MARRIAGE WITH TEENS IN THE HOUSE

Communication

Parenting adolescents isn’t easy, and conflict surrounding raising kids can harm a marriage. But you and your spouse can work as a team to build your marriage — even while raising your kids.

March 18, 2022

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DEALING WITH YOUR DIFFERENCES: DO YOUR PART

Communication

We will all blow it sometimes. But if you really strive to limit your reckless words, you will create a climate that fosters openness and closeness in your marriage.

March 2, 2022

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HOW TO CONNECT WITH 16-18 YEAR OLDS

Children

As parents, we deal with the tension between providing freedom and boundaries for our teens. Focus on finding routines and habits that can help you better connect with your teens. Look out for things they enjoy or opportunities to develop a skill or interest. Finally, continue to take an interest in your teen’s interests. Ask questions and show interest in their passions.

February 18, 2022

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CONNECTING WITH KIDS IN A DISCONNECTED WORLD

Children

What does it mean to live in a disconnected world? There are dramatic implications for kids of all ages. Fortunately, you can foster positive connection with your kids through these tips and strategies.

February 17, 2022

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HELPING OUR KIDS GROW AND KEEP A POSITIVE MINDSET

Children

Today’s kids face new challenges and ask questions our kids didn’t have to two decades ago. But God has provided every answer and truth to help them have a positive mindset that cannot be shaken by this world.

February 17, 2022

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BUT DAD SAID IT WAS OK

Communication

Children need both their parents. When mom and dad connect, they can complement each other’s styles.

February 8, 2022

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LITTLE BIG DREAMERS — NURTURE THEIR TALENTS

Children

Do you know how to nurture your kids in their God-given talents so even when they’re little, they can be big dreamers?

January 31, 2022

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THE BEST CHORES FOR TEENAGERS

Children

As you communicate the importance of chores for your teens, reinforce the spiritual significance of work and its impact on the heart, mind, and soul.

January 26, 2022

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6 WAYS TO CREATE A CULTURE OF RESPONSIBILITY WITH OUR KIDS

Children

To create a healthy culture of responsibility, it begins with us as parents modeling a willingness to do those small things. Our children will pick up on our actions and will begin to live them out later in life. Watching them do this is in itself a great reward.

January 25, 2022

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WHEN BOUNDARIES HINDER BONDING

Children

Rules are important, but connecting with your teen is essential.

January 25, 2022

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HOW TO APPRECIATE YOUR SPOUSE’S UNIQUE PERSONALITY

Communication

Just as a flavors can spice up a dish, differences improve our marriage. While differences bring variety, they also create challenges. So how can a couple use their differences to strengthen their marriage?

January 23, 2022

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TEACHING CHILDREN RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND BEYOND

Communication

Sadly, reverence for the elderly is sometimes in short supply in today’s youth-oriented culture. Because they may be slowing down and having more difficulty moving around, there is an assumption that what elderly people have to offer is also in short supply. On the contrary, they have the most to contribute.

January 20, 2022

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FIVE MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT MENTORING

Communication

Maybe you’ve heard about mentoring but don’t really know what it is. Let’s clear up five of the most common misconceptions.

January 17, 2022

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WHAT IS MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCE THEORY AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT MY CHILD?

Communication

What is Multiple Intelligence Theory? Explore how our different learning styles affect learning and your child’s development inside and outside of school.

January 13, 2022

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PERSONALITY DIFFERENCES: CONQUERING CHORES TOGETHER

Children

Learn to navigate communicating the importance of doing chores to your kids and form your perspective on how chores can impact your family.

January 13, 2022

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YOUR TEENS NEED YOU, NOT MORE SCREEN TIME

Children

Would you like more meaningful connection with your teens? Keep reading to learn more about how it’s important to spend face-to-face time with your teens, outside of screen time.

January 10, 2022

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AUTISM AND MARRIAGE: 3 SIGNS YOUR SPOUSE MAY BE ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM

Communication

Marriage stressors reach a whole new level if one spouse is on the autism spectrum — and the couple isn’t even aware of it. If one spouse has ASD and the other does not, the two have significant differences in the way their brains are wired.

January 7, 2022

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THE PROBLEMS OF PORNOGRAPHY: SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION AND BEYOND

Communication

NO PORN NOVEMBER:

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not new, but ED is no longer occurring only in middle-aged and older men. Many men with ED are under 40. Research suggests this might be the result of pornography addiction.

November 30, 2021

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR HUSBAND’S PORN CONFESSION

Communication

NO PORN NOVEMBER:

Relational problems often get worse before they get better. Some husbands wait weeks after the discovery of porn use before they admit to additional bad behavior. Here’s what wives need to know.

November 26, 2021

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HOW PORNOGRAPHY PREVENTS INTIMACY IN YOUR MARRIAGE

Communication

NO PORN NOVEMBER:

Does viewing pornography as a couple enhance intimacy in marriage? Marital sexuality is to be exclusive. So, pornography not only decreases true intimacy in marriage but actually prevents it.

November 22, 2021

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THE IMPORTANCE OF VULNERABILITY IN FIGHTING PORNOGRAPHY ADDICTION

Communication

NO PORN NOVEMBER:

You can’t keep hiding. You can’t kick the habit on your own; no one can. If you really want to be free, you’re going to have to open up to others. You’re going to have to learn to be vulnerable.

November 18, 2021

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WHEN YOUR HUSBAND CONFESSES ADDICTION TO PORNOGRAPHY

Communication

NO PORN NOVEMBER:

Meg was devastated by her husband’s confession, but her response initiated a new level of intimacy with God for her. Now she ministers to women devastated by their husbands’ poor sexual choices.

November 8, 2021

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SHOULD YOU TELL YOUR SPOUSE ABOUT YOUR PORN PROBLEM?

Communication

NO PORN NOVEMBER:

Counselors have seen that the major benefits of truth-telling are worth enduring the challenges. Before you tell your spouse about your secret past, you have to admit a few things to yourself.

November 6, 2021

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RESTORING TRUST AFTER PORNOGRAPHY ADDICTION

Communication

NO PORN NOVEMBER:

Restoring trust in light of your spouse’s pornography addiction

November 4, 2021

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HOW TO OVERCOME PORN ADDICTION AND RESTORE RELATIONSHIPS

Communication

NO PORN NOVEMBER:

Forgiving a pornography user too quickly can hinder recovery because it avoids the problem. Bravely acknowledging the emotions associated with betrayal is imperative to the true forgiveness process.

November 1, 2021

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DETERMINING YOUR CHILD’S PERSONALITY TYPE

Children

Take this quiz to help you recognize which of the four commonly recognized personality types best described your child.

October 25, 2021

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HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUNG TEENS

Children

Connecting with young teens can be challenging but time spent with them will be rewarding for both parents and kids

October 22, 2021

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TALKING TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS: WHEN MENTAL ILLNESS HITS HOME

Children

What happens when the person grappling with mental illness is someone within the walls of your own home? And what are some of the signs?

October 11, 2021

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WHEN TEENS LOSE HOPE

Children

If your teens seem depressed or hopeless and you worry that their actions may lead to self-harm, here are some ideas for bringing hope into their situation.

September 28, 2021

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HOW COULD DIVORCE AFFECT MY KIDS?

Communication

We now have an enormous amount of research on divorce and children, all pointing to the same stubborn truth: Kids suffer when moms and dads split up.

September 20, 2021

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HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO YOUR CHILD’S SUSPECTED PORN USE?

Children

There have been countless times I’ve had to respond to a parent’s pleas for help after they have just discovered their child has viewed pornography.

August 10, 2021

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FOUR WAYS COUPLES CAN WAKE UP FROM FEELING STUCK IN MARRIAGE

Communication

Consider the following four ways to “wake up” and start moving toward healing if you feel stuck in your marriage, like a repeating bad dream.

August 4, 2021

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6 WAYS TO HELP YOUR HIGHLY SENSITIVE CHILD THRIVE

Children

Parenting sensitive children is a tremendous privilege and responsibility. Here are six ways that we can help our highly sensitive child thrive through our parenting.

July 15, 2021

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May 19, 2021

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LOGGING OFF TO FOCUS ON YOUR REAL-LIFE RELATIONSHIPS

Communication

Author Wendy Speake describes how she grew closer to her spouse, her children, and God when she took a 40-day break from social media. She encourages listeners to consider how their own relationships would benefit from limiting their media consumption.
With a background in Hollywood as a trained actress, Wendy Speake ministers to women as a bible teacher by applying the power of drama, poetry and comedy to the study of Scripture and real-life application of biblical truths. She has co-authored two books with Amber Lia titled Triggers: Exchanging Parents’ Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses and their latest, Parenting Scripts: When What You’re Saying Isn’t Working, Say Something New. Wendy is also the co-author (with Kelli Stuart) of Life Creative: Inspiration for Today’s Renaissance Mom. Wendy and her husband, Matt, have three sons and reside in southern California. Learn more about Wendy at her website, wendyspeake.com.

April 7, 2021

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LOSING A CHILD LED TO THE HARDEST YEAR OF OUR MARRIAGE

Communication

My husband, Russ, and I are the parents of 12 kids through birth and adoption, and sometimes more through foster care.

March 15, 2021

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6 WAYS TO DEVELOP SELF-CONFIDENCE AND POSITIVE SELF-IMAGE IN CHILDREN

Children

 

 

These six steps can help you to build self-confidence and a positive self-image in your children.

March 5, 2021

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RECONNECTING WITH YOUR SPOUSE (Part 1 of 2)

Communication

 

If busyness, exhaustion, and distraction have caused you and your spouse to drift apart, listen in as Dr. Greg Smalley and his wife, Erin, offer practical suggestions for rekindling intimacy in a discussion based on their book Reconnected: Moving From Roomates to Soulmates in Your Marriage. (Part 1 of 2)

March 5, 2021

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CONNECTING WITH YOUR EMOTIONAL TEENS

Children

 

 

When you have an emotional teen, there are three things that your teen may need from you.

February 18, 2021

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FORGIVENESS AND MARITAL DISTRESS

Communication

 

 

During this unusual season of “quarantine fatigue” unresolved issues around forgiveness may rush to the surface.

January 25, 2021

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HOW TO KEEP BUSINESS TRAVEL FROM KILLING YOUR MARRIAGE

Communication

 

 

Kim and Randy learned to live independently while Randy was traveling for work, but they lost the sense of unity that’s critical for a marriage. Here are tips to fix the troubles caused by travels.

January 25, 2021

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STAYING CONNECTED WHEN ONE SPOUSE IS TRAVELING

Communication

 

 

Travel is tough on a marriage. But with a bit of planning, you and your spouse can stay connected when one of you is away from home.

January 25, 2021

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A MARRIAGE MEDITATION: KIND WORDS

Communication

 

 

Kind words are important to our marriage. We can use words that encourage our spouse or we can use words that hurt them. Which words will you choose?

January 25, 2021

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A MARRIAGE MEDITATION: TIME

Communication

 

 

Your marriage needs commitment. Especially a commitment to time with your spouse. Make the most of the little moments and watch your marriage grow.

December 31, 2020

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HELPING YOUR SPOUSE WHEN THEY’RE OVERWHELMED

Communication

 

 

Your spouse is the one person with whom you can be truly honest and still feel seen and cared for. What do you do when your spouse is overwhelmed?

December 31, 2020

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MARRIAGE MEDITATION – LOVE IS A VERB

Communication

 

 

Marriage begins with a promise to love. But promises are empty words unless the couple acts on them. Love is a verb. It requires action.

December 31, 2020

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HOW TO DEAL WITH A PAST ABORTION IN MARRIAGE

Communication

 

 

Keeping heartbreaking information from your spouse can cause even more pain. Here are several ways to deal with a past abortion in your marriage.

December 31, 2020